Abstract:

A slot machine displays on a display a unit game in which arranged symbols
are rearranged. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the slot
machine displays on the display a free game that is a special game. The
slot machine also changes a game sound that has been emitted into a
different game sound when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the
free game.

Claims:

1. A slot machine comprising:a display configured to display a unit game
rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and
to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a
predetermined condition;a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an
outside of the slot machine;a storage device configured to store sound
data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games;a speaker drive
circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker; anda
controller configured to(a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of
symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of free games satisfies
the predetermined condition, and(b) when determining that the
rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, read out the
sound data stored in the storage device and transmit the read out sound
data to the speaker drive circuit to change a current game sound into a
game sound corresponding to the read out sound data.

2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to change songs from one to another for changing the game
sound.

3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to change a tempo for changing the game sound.

4. A slot machine comprising:a display configured to display a unit game
rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and
to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a
predetermined condition;a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an
outside of the slot machine;a storage device configured to store sound
data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games;a speaker drive
circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker; anda
controller configured to(a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of
symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games
satisfies the predetermined condition, and(b) when determining that the
rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, read out the
sound data stored in the storage device and transmit the read out sound
data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being
currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound
data, and(c) when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies
the predetermined condition, increase a current number of remaining free
games.

5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the controller is
configured to change songs from one to another for changing the game
sound.

6. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the controller is
configured to change a tempo for changing the game sound.

7. A slot machine comprising:a display configured to display a unit game
rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and
to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a
predetermined condition;a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an
outside of the slot machine;a storage device configured to store sound
data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games;a speaker drive
circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker; anda
controller configured to(a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of
symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games
satisfies the predetermined condition, and(b) every time when determining
that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition,
read out the sound data stored in the storage device and transmit the
read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound
being currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out
sound data, and(c) every time when determining that the rearrangement
pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, increase a current number
of remaining free games.

8. The slot machine according to claim 7, wherein the controller is
configured to change songs from one to another for changing the game
sound.

9. The slot machine according to claim 7, wherein the controller is
configured to change a tempo for changing the game sound.

10. A method for controlling a slot machine including a display configured
to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in
partitioned regions and to display a predetermined number of free games
upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition, a speaker configured to
emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine, a storage device
configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the
free games, and a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound
data to the speaker, the method comprising:determining whether a
rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number
of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition; andwhen
determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined
condition, reading out the sound data stored in the storage device and
transmitting the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to
change the game sound being currently emitted into a game sound
corresponding to the read out sound data.

11. The method for controlling a slot machine according to claim 10,
wherein changing the game sound is performed by changing songs from one
to another.

12. The method for controlling a slot machine according to claim 10,
wherein changing the game sound is performed by changing a tempo.

13. A method for controlling a slot machine including a display configured
to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in
partitioned regions and to display a predetermined number of free games
upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition, a speaker configured to
emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine, a storage device
configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the
free games, and a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound
data to the speaker, the method comprising:determining whether a
rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number
of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition;when determining
that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition,
reading out the sound data stored in the storage device and transmitting
the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game
sound being currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read
sound data; andwhen determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies
the predetermined condition, increasing a current number of remaining
free games.

14. The method for controlling a slot machine according to claim 13,
wherein changing the game sound is performed by changing songs from one
to another.

15. The method for controlling a slot machine according to claim 13,
wherein changing the game sound is performed by changing a tempo.

16. A method for controlling a slot machine including a display configured
to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in
partitioned regions and to display a predetermined number of free games
upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition, a speaker configured to
emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine, a storage device
configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the
free games, and a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound
data to the speaker, the method comprising:determining whether a
rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number
of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition;every time when
determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined
condition, reading out the sound data stored in the storage device and
transmitting the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to
change the game sound being currently emitted into a game sound
corresponding to the read out sound data; andevery time when determining
that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition,
increasing a current number of remaining free games.

17. The method for controlling a slot machine according to claim 16,
wherein changing the game sound is performed by changing songs from one
to another.

18. The method for controlling a slot machine according to claim 16,
wherein changing the game sound is performed by changing a tempo.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/104,408 filed on Oct. 10, 2008, and which
is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates to a slot machine for playing a game
using medals and the like, and a control method thereof.

[0006]For example, every time the player makes a bet in a slot machine and
presses a start switch, the slot machine executes a slot game in which a
plurality of symbols arranged on a display are rearranged. Thereafter,
when the symbols thus rearranged on the display include a predetermined
number of scatter symbols or when a predetermined winning combination is
formed on a payline, the slot machine provides an award corresponding to
the contents of the scatter symbols or the winning combination.

[0007]Furthermore, in the slot machine, a special game is executed when a
predetermined condition is satisfied. In many cases, the special game is
a free game that the player can play without placing a wager, and is also
called a feature game. In the special game represented by the free game,
there is a chance to get more awards.

[0008]However, since the special game is the free game, the player can
only watch the game without doing anything. Thus, expectations of the
player are reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]A first aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
comprising: a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a
plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and to display a
predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined
condition; a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the
slot machine; a storage device configured to store sound data on the game
sound to be emitted in the free games; a speaker drive circuit configured
to transmit the sound data to the speaker; and a controller configured to
(a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in
the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined
condition, and (b) when determining that the rearrangement pattern
satisfies the predetermined condition, read out the sound data stored in
the storage device and transmit the read out sound data to the speaker
drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted into a
game sound corresponding to the read out sound data.

[0010]A second aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
comprising: a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a
plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and to display a
predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined
condition; a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the
slot machine; a storage device configured to store sound data on the game
sound to be emitted in the free games; a speaker drive circuit configured
to transmit the sound data to the speaker; and a controller configured to
(a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in
the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined
condition, and (b) when determining that the rearrangement pattern
satisfies the predetermined condition, read out the sound data stored in
the storage device and transmit the read out sound data to the speaker
drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted into a
game sound corresponding to the read out sound data, and (c) when
determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined
condition, increase a current number of remaining free games.

[0011]A third aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
comprising: a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a
plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and to display a
predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined
condition; a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the
slot machine; a storage device configured to store sound data on the game
sound to be emitted in the free games; a speaker drive circuit configured
to transmit the sound data to the speaker; and a controller configured to
(a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in
the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined
condition, and (b) every time when determining that the rearrangement
pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, read out the sound data
stored in the storage device and transmit the read out sound data to the
speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted
into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound data, and (c) every
time when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the
predetermined condition, increase a current number of remaining free
games.

[0012]A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling
a slot machine including a display configured to display a unit game
rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions and to
display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a
predetermined condition, a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an
outside of the slot machine, a storage device configured to store sound
data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games, and a speaker
drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker, the
method comprising: determining whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols
rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the
predetermined condition; and when determining that the rearrangement
pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, reading out the sound data
stored in the storage device and transmitting the read out sound data to
the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently
emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound data.

[0013]A fifth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling
a slot machine including a display configured to display a unit game
rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions and to
display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a
predetermined condition, a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an
outside of the slot machine, a storage device configured to store sound
data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games, and a speaker
drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker, the
method comprising: determining whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols
rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the
predetermined condition; when determining that the rearrangement pattern
satisfies the predetermined condition, reading out the sound data stored
in the storage device and transmitting the read out sound data to the
speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted
into a game sound corresponding to the read sound data; and when
determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined
condition, increasing a current number of remaining free games.

[0014]A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling
a slot machine including a display configured to display a unit game
rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions and to
display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a
predetermined condition, a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an
outside of the slot machine, a storage device configured to store sound
data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games, and a speaker
drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker, the
method comprising: determining whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols
rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the
predetermined condition; every time when determining that the
rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, reading out
the sound data stored in the storage device and transmitting the read out
sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being
currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound
data; and every time when determining that the rearrangement pattern
satisfies the predetermined condition, increasing a current number of
remaining free games.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1A is a flowchart schematically showing a slot machine and a
control method thereof according to a first embodiment, which is an
example of a slot machine of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 1B is a flowchart schematically showing a slot machine and a
control method thereof according to a second embodiment, which is another
example of the slot machine of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 10 is a flowchart schematically showing a slot machine and a
control method thereof according to a third embodiment, which is still
another example of the slot machine of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a display example displayed on
a display in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.

[0019]FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing partitioned regions in a
matrix pattern provided on the display in the slot machine according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in the slot
machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing slot game processing procedures
executed by the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.

[0023]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing free game execution processing
procedures executed by the slot machine according to the first embodiment
of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a slot
game executed on the display in the slot machine according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a display example of the slot
game executed on the display in the slot machine according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing free game execution processing
procedures executed by the slot machine according to the second
embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing free game execution processing
procedures executed by the slot machine according to the third embodiment
of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in the slot
machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing a rotating reel device in the
slot machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 14B is a side view showing the rotating reel device in the slot
machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing schematic configurations of
symbols arranged on circumferential surfaces of rotating reels in the
slot machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

[0033]FIG. 1A is a flowchart schematically showing a method for
controlling a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a display example
displayed on a display in the slot machine according to the first
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view
showing partitioned regions in a matrix pattern provided on the display
of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to
the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram
showing a control circuit in the slot machine according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]On a front surface of a cabinet 11 of a slot machine 10 shown in
FIG. 4, a display 16 is provided. The display 16 has twenty partitioned
regions q11 to q54 as shown in FIG. 3. These partitioned regions q11 to
q54 are arranged in a matrix pattern including first to fifth columns and
first to fourth rows.

[0035]In the slot machine 10 shown in FIG. 4 according to an example of
the present invention, every time a unit game is played, symbols arranged
as shown in FIG. 2 are rearranged, respectively, in the partitioned
regions q11 to q54 shown in FIG. 3 described above. The unit game can be
executed by rotating and stopping the symbols in the partitioned regions
q11 to q54 of the display 16 such as a liquid crystal panel, for example.

[0036]As the symbols to be displayed on the display 16, for example, there
are nine kinds of symbols, including "A (ace)", "K (king)", "Q (queen)",
"J (jack)", "10", "umbrella", "lightning", "cloud" and "special (man's
face)".

[0037]When the symbols are rearranged in each of the partitioned regions
q11 to q54 in the unit game, an award of credits is determined according
to rules of a predetermined payout table. Thereafter, a payout equivalent
to the determined award of credits is provided. Subsequently, the symbols
in the respective partitioned regions q11 to q54 are rearranged as the
next unit game is started.

[0038]As shown in FIG. 1A, the slot machine 10 shown in FIG. 4 according
to the example of the present invention displays such a unit game, in
which the multiple having been arranged symbols are rearranged as
described above, on the display 16 shown in FIG. 4 (Step S1).

[0039]The unit game can be executed by the player betting a wager. To be
more specific, the wager can be bet by inserting medals or coins as
cashable credits, which can be cashed in, into the slot machine 10 by the
player. Alternatively, the wager can also be bet by appropriating an
amount of restricted credits specified by the player to the wager by
operating the slot machine 10. Specifically, the restricted credits are
digitized and stored in the slot machine 10, and can be continuously used
as the wager until the restricted credits are cashed in.

[0040]Note that, in the following description, a unit of the wager that
can be bet by using the cashable credits or restricted credits described
above is called "credit". For example, when one medal or coin is inserted
as a wager into the slot machine 10 by the player, "1 credit" is bet as
the wager. Moreover, for example, when two restricted credits are
appropriated to a wager by the player operating the slot machine 10, "2
credits" are bet as the wager.

[0041]Next, in Step S2, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not a
predetermined condition for executing a free game that is a special game
is satisfied (Step S2) as shown in FIG. 1A. This free game that is the
special game is also called a feature game. Specific examples of the case
where the predetermined condition is satisfied include the case where
three or more "special (man's face)" symbols are rearranged in the
partitioned regions q11 to q54, and the like. Whether or not the
predetermined condition is satisfied can be determined, for example, by
whether or not a condition establishment lottery is won. Specifically,
the condition establishment lottery is performed based on a random number
generated by a random number generating circuit 112 shown in FIG. 5 every
time the unit game is displayed on the display in Step S1.

[0042]If the predetermined condition is not satisfied in Step S2 (NO in
Step S2), the slot machine 10 terminates a series of processes once and
displays the unit game on the display again in Step S1, as shown in FIG.
1A.

[0043]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S2), the slot machine 10 displays a screen of the free game as
the special game on the display 16 (Step S3). By using a margin around
windows 16a to 16e on the display 16, the number of remaining games in
the free game can also be displayed as a part of an image of the free
game.

[0044]Thereafter, the slot machine 10 executes, as the free game that is
the special game, slot games a predetermined number of play times (for
example, 10) (Step S4). While executing the free game, the slot machine
10 emits a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from
that of a normal unit game, from a speaker 29 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0045]Subsequently, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not the
predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special
game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S5).

[0046]As shown in FIG. 1A, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied
in Step S5 (NO in Step S5), the slot machine 10 terminates the series of
processes once and transitions to Step S4 to execute the free game when
there are remaining games in the free game. When there are no remaining
games in the free game, the slot machine 10 displays the unit game on the
display again in Step S1.

[0047]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S5), the slot machine 10 changes the game sound of the free game
(Step S6). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the
following manner. Specifically, sound data stored in an external storage
device 113 (see FIG. 5) in the slot machine 10 is read and the read sound
data is transmitted to a speaker drive circuit 122 (see FIG. 5). Thus,
the game sound that has been emitted is changed to a game sound
corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game sound is
changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.

[0048]As a result of the processing described above, the slot machine 10
according to the first embodiment can notify the player that the player
wins the free game again (retrigger), by changing the game sound in the
free game.

[0049]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the
present invention can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the
player wins the free game again. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase
or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of
the game sound.

[0050]Next, detailed description will be given of the slot machine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 4, the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment includes the
cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided on the cabinet 11 and a main door 13
provided on the front surface of the cabinet 11. On a front side of the
main door 13, the display 16 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the display
16 has twenty partitioned regions q11 to q54 arranged in a matrix pattern
including first to fifth columns and first to fourth rows.

[0051]In each of the partitioned regions q11 to q54, any one of nine kinds
of symbols, including "A (ace)", "K (king)", "Q (queen)", "J (jack)",
"10", "umbrella", "lightning", "cloud" and "special (man's face)" is
displayed.

[0052]In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, one slot game (unit game)
is executed by rearranging, as shown in FIG. 2, the symbols in the
partitioned regions q11 to q54. This slot game can be generally executed
by making a bet with game media. Meanwhile, as described later, the slot
game can be executed without making a bet during a special game (free
game) to be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0053]Note that, in this embodiment, medals are taken as an example of the
game media to be used for executing the slot game (except during the free
game). However, the game media for the slot game are not limited to the
medals but may include, for example, tokens, electronic money and
electronic value information (credits) equivalent thereto.

[0054]Below the display 16, provided are: various input buttons 23 to 26
used by the player to input instructions related to a game process; a
coin acceptor 21 for accepting coins; and a bill identifier 22 for
identifying whether or not bills are eligible and accepting the
legitimate bills. Note that the bill identifier 22 may be configured to
be able to read a bar-coded ticket 39.

[0055]Moreover, in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 21 and the
bill identifier 22, various operation switches are provided. As the
operation switches, a payout switch 23, a MAXBET switch 24, a BET switch
25, a spin repeat bet switch 26 and a start switch 27 are provided.

[0056]The BET switch 25 is a switch for determining the number of credits
to be bet on the slot game to be executed on the display 16. As described
later, every time the BET switch 25 is pressed, a credit equivalent to
one medal is bet.

[0057]The spin repeat bet switch 26 is a switch for executing the slot
game by betting again the same amount of credits as that bet in the
previous game with BET switch 25 described above. The start switch 27 is
a switch for starting the slot game after a desired number of credits are
bet. When the start switch 27 is pressed after medals are inserted into
the medal insertion slot 21 or credits are bet by use of the BET switch
25, the slot game is started on the display 16.

[0058]The payout switch 23 is a switch for paying out the inserted medals.
The medals to be paid out are discharged from a medal payout opening 19
provided in a lower front portion of the main door 13. The medals paid
out are accumulated in a medal tray 18.

[0059]The MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting, in one operation, the
maximum number of credits (for example, 30 medals) that can be bet on one
slot game.

[0060]On a lower front surface of the main door 13, a foot display 34 is
provided, which displays a predetermined screen on the basis of image
display control data included in game software that is being executed.

[0061]On a front surface of the top box 12, an upper display 33 is
provided. The upper display 33 includes a liquid crystal panel to display
a payout table and the like.

[0062]Moreover, a speaker 29 is provided in the top box 12. Below the
upper display 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display
37 and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints out a
bar-code on a ticket, the bar-code having coded data such as the number
of credits, date and time and an identification number of the slot
machine 10, and outputs the ticket as the bar-coded ticket 39.

[0063]The player can use the bar-coded ticket 39 to make a bet on a slot
game with another slot machine by allowing the slot machine to read the
bar-coded ticket 39 or can change the bar-coded ticket 39 for bills and
the like at a predetermined location in a gaming facility (for example, a
cashier in a casino).

[0064]The card reader 36 allows a smart card to be inserted thereinto,
reads data from the inserted smart card and writes data into the smart
card. The smart card is a card carried by the player and stores data for
identifying the player and data on a history of games played by the
player.

[0065]The smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills or
credits. Moreover, instead of the smart card, a magnetic stripe card may
be employed. The data display 37 is formed of a fluorescent display or
the like and displays, for example, the data read by the card reader 36
and data inputted by the player using the keypad 38.

[0066]Moreover, instead of the smart card, an RFID card capable of reading
and writing data contactlessly may be used. The keypad 38 is for
inputting instructions or data for ticketing and the like.

[0067]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in the slot
machine according to this embodiment. A machine controller 40 shown in
FIG. 5 is a microcomputer, including an interface circuit group 102, an
I/O bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface
circuit 111, a random number generating circuit 112, an external storage
device 113, a speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a
display drive circuit 128, and display controllers 140 and 141.

[0068]The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the I/O bus 104. The
I/O bus 104 inputs and outputs a data signal or an address signal to and
from the CPU 106.

[0069]The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuit group 102.
A start signal outputted from the start switch 27 is converted into a
predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and then
transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.

[0070]The BET switch 25, the MAXBET switch 24, the spin repeat bet switch
26 and the payout switch 23 are further connected to the interface
circuit group 102. Each of switching signals outputted from the switches
23 to 26 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a
predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and then
transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.

[0071]In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuit
group 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting medals inserted
into the medal insertion slot 21 and is provided in a medal insertion
part of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection signal outputted from
the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102,
converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102
and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.

[0072]The ROM 108 for storing system programs and the RAM 110 for storing
various data are connected to the I/O bus 104. In the RAM 110, provided
are areas for managing flags and storing various information, and the
like.

[0073]The ROM 108 stores a payout table. The payout table shows conditions
for generating a payout and the number of credits to be paid out when the
condition is satisfied, and a correspondence relationship between the
conditions. The conditions for generating a payout are determined by
contents of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54
on the display 16. A symbol rearrangement mode to generate a payout can
be determined by the number of scatter symbols rearranged in a slot game
or a pattern of a winning combination formed on a payline set in the
partitioned regions q11 to q54. In the slot game of this embodiment, the
CPU 106 determines whether or not to generate a payout (whether or not to
provide a payout for credits) and the credit payout amount (the number of
credits for the payout) on the basis of the payout table and the symbols
stopped in each of the partitioned regions q11 to q54.

[0074]Upon receipt of a game start operation from the start switch 27, the
CPU 106 executes a slot game by reading a game execution program from the
ROM 108. To be more specific, as a program for executing the slot game,
the game execution program is programmed to execute the slot game in the
following manner. Firstly, symbols are varied (scrolled) and displayed
simultaneously in all the partitioned regions q11 to q54 on the display
16, and then the symbols are stopped from varying (scrolling). When the
symbols are rearranged so as to form a pattern for providing a payout,
the credits are provided according to the payout amount based on the
payout table stored in the ROM 108.

[0076]The communication interface circuit 111 is connected to a hall
server and the like and transmits, to the hall server, data on a history
of plays executed in the slot machine 10. Moreover, the communication
interface circuit 111 receives various data transmitted from the hall
server.

[0077]The random number generating circuit 112 generates a random number
for determining a winning combination or whether or not to generate a
jackpot in a slot game executed on the display 16.

[0078]The external storage device (equivalent to a storage device in the
claims) 113 stores sound data on a game sound to be emitted in the slot
game. Moreover, the external storage device 113 also stores sound data on
a game sound specific to a free game to be emitted in the free game
executed as a special game when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0079]The display drive circuit 128 performs control of displaying the
amount of payout in a payout amount defined region 48 set in the lower
left area of the display 16.

[0080]The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the speaker 29.
Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the ROM 108 and the
external storage device 113, and transmits the sound data to the speaker
drive circuit 122 through the I/O bus 104. Thus, predetermined sound
effects and game sounds are emitted from the speaker 29.

[0081]The hopper drive circuit 124 outputs a payout signal to the hopper
44 when a payout occurs. Specifically, when a payout signal is inputted
by the payout switch 23, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signal to the hopper
drive circuit 124 through the I/O bus 104. Thus, the hopper 44 pays out
medals equivalent to the number of credits remaining at the time, which
is stored in a predetermined memory region of the RAM 110.

[0082]Upon receipt of an image display command signal outputted by the CPU
106, the display controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving the
display 16 on the basis of the image display command, and then outputs
the generated drive signal to the display 16.

[0083]Upon receipt of the image display command signal outputted by the
CPU 106, the display controller 140 creates two frame memories to be
displayed so as to overlap with each other on the display 16 on the basis
of the image display command, and then stores the frame memories in the
RAM 110. A front frame memory being one of the two frame memories
displays an image of a state where the partitioned regions q11 to q54 are
being scrolled. Meanwhile, a rear frame memory being the other frame
memory displays an image of the symbols determined by the CPU 106 so as
to be rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54.

[0084]Moreover, upon receipt of the image display command signal outputted
by the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates a drive signal for
driving the display 16 on the basis of the image display command, and
then outputs the generated drive signal to the display 16. The display
controller 140 performs control of the symbols displayed on the rear
frame memory so as to be individually viewed on the display 16 according
to the drive signal. Thus, a predetermined image is displayed on the
display 16.

[0085]The display controller 141 performs control of displaying a
predetermined screen on the upper display 33. Specifically, the CPU 106
generates an image display command signal corresponding to the
predetermined screen, and then outputs the image display command signal
to the display controller 141 through the I/O bus 104. Upon receipt of
the image display command signal outputted by the CPU 106, the display
controller 141 generates a drive signal for driving the upper display 33
on the basis of the image display command, and then outputs the generated
drive signal to the upper display 33. Thus, the predetermined screen is
displayed on the upper display 33. The predetermined screen can be
displayed by use of a still image or a moving image.

[0086]Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
operations of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment will be
described. FIGS. 6 and 7 are the flowcharts showing procedures of slot
game processing and free game execution processing, which are executed by
the CPU 106 shown in FIG. 5 according to the game execution program
stored in the ROM 108.

[0087]In the slot game processing shown in FIG. 6, first, the CPU 106
determines whether or not credits are bet in Step S11. In this
processing, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the CPU 106 has
received a signal outputted from the BET switch 25 when the BET switch 25
is pressed or a signal outputted from the MAXBET switch 24 when the
MAXBET switch 24 is pressed. When the CPU 106 determines that no credits
are bet, the processing returns to Step S11.

[0088]Meanwhile, when, in Step S11, the CPU 106 determines that the
credits are bet, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S12 and decrements the
number of credits stored in the RAM 110 according to the number of the
credits bet.

[0089]Next, in Step S13, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start
switch 27 is pressed. In this processing, the CPU 106 determines whether
or not a signal outputted from the start switch 27 when the start switch
27 is pressed is received.

[0090]When the CPU 106 determines that the start switch 27 is not pressed,
the CPU 106 returns the processing to Step S11. Note that, when the start
switch 27 is not pressed (for example, when an instruction to finish the
game is inputted instead of pressing the start switch 27), the CPU 106
cancels a result of decrement of the number of credits in Step S12.

[0091]Meanwhile, when, in Step S13, the CPU 106 determines that the start
switch 27 is pressed, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S14 from Step S13
and notifies a payout controller 3 of the number of the credits bet. At
the same time, the CPU 106 determines stop-symbols in Step S15. In this
stop-symbol determination processing, the CPU 106 determines the symbols
to be stopped and displayed (rearranged) in the respective partitioned
regions q11 to q54 by executing a stop-symbol determination program that
is one of the game execution programs stored in the ROM 108.

[0092]By the stop-symbol determination processing, in the slot machine 10,
the symbols to be rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 on the
first to fifth columns shown in FIG. 3 are determined among the nine
kinds of symbols including "A (ace)", "K (king)", "Q (queen)", "J
(jack)", "10", "umbrella", "lightning", "cloud" and "special (man' s
face)".

[0093]Next, the CPU 106 performs symbol varying (scrolling) and displaying
processing in Step S16. In this processing, symbol varying (scrolling)
and displaying is started in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 as shown
in FIG. 8, and then is stopped in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 as
shown in FIG. 9. By this processing of starting and stopping the symbol
varying (scrolling) and displaying, the symbols are rearranged in the
partitioned regions q11 to q54.

[0094]When the symbol varying (scrolling) and displaying processing is
finished, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S17 and determines whether or
not there is a winning on the basis of the symbols rearranged in the
partitioned regions q11 to q54. Specifically, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a condition for providing an award is satisfied.

[0095]In Step S17, the CPU 106 refers to the payout table stored in the
ROM 108 and determines whether or not a pattern of the symbols rearranged
in Step S16 described above coincides with any one of symbol
rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout
table.

[0096]If the pattern of the rearranged symbols coincides with any one of
the symbol rearrangement modes set in the payout table, a winning is
considered to be established. Thus, the payout amount set so as to
correspond to the symbol rearrangement mode is determined as the number
of credits to be paid out. Thereafter, the processing transitions to the
next Step S18 from Step S17.

[0097]Meanwhile, if the pattern of the symbols rearranged in Step S17
described above does not coincide with any one of the symbol
rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout
table, no winning is considered to be established. Thus, the CPU 106
transitions to Step S19 to be described later.

[0098]In Step S18, the CPU 106 executes processing of providing credits
corresponding to a result of the winning in Step S16 described above. In
this payout processing, the CPU 106 increments the number of credits to
be paid out, which is obtained in Step S17 described above, to the number
of credits stored in the RAM 110.

[0099]In Step S19, the CPU 106 uses a random number generated by the
random number generating circuit 112 to perform a lottery for determining
whether or not a predetermined condition for starting the free game is
satisfied. Thereafter, in Step S20, the CPU 106 determines whether or not
an outcome of the lottery satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0100]If the outcome of the lottery does not satisfy the predetermined
condition (the condition is dissatisfied) (NO in Step S20), the CPU 106
returns to Step S11 described above to execute next slot game processing.
If the outcome of the lottery satisfies the predetermined condition (YES
in Step S20), the CPU 106 performs free game execution processing in Step
S21 and then returns the processing to Step S11 described above to
execute next slot game processing.

[0101]In the free game execution processing in Step S21, the CPU 106
generates a free game image display command signal and displays a free
game screen on the display 16 in Step S211 as shown in FIG. 7 (Step
S211). By using the margins around the windows 16a to 16e on the display
16, the number of remaining games in the free game can also be displayed
as a part of the image of the free game.

[0102]Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes, as the free game, the slot game a
predetermined number (for example, 10) of play times (Step S212). While
executing the free game, the CPU 106 performs processing of reading sound
data stored in the external storage device 113 and emitting a game sound
specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit
game, from the speaker 29 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0103]Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special
game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S213).

[0104]As shown in FIG. 7, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied
in Step S213 (NO in Step S213), the CPU 106 determines that the
predetermined condition is not satisfied, and then transitions to Step
S216.

[0105]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S213), the CPU 106 changes the game sound of the free game (Step
S214). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following
manner. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the external
storage device 113, transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive
circuit 122 and thus changes the game sound that has been emitted to a
game sound corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game
sound is changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.

[0106]Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not there is a winning
on the basis of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to
q54 in the free game (Step S216). Specifically, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a condition for providing an award is satisfied.

[0107]In Step S216, the CPU 106 refers to the payout table stored in the
ROM 108 and determines whether or not a pattern of the symbols rearranged
in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 coincides with anyone of symbol
rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout
table.

[0108]If the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 do
not form a winning combination to provide the player with an award in the
free game (NO in Step S216), the CPU 106 terminates a series of special
game processing once.

[0109]On the other hand, if the pattern of the symbols rearranged
coincides with any one of the symbol rearrangement modes set in the
payout table (YES in Step S216), the CPU 106 determines that a winning is
established and provides the player with an award (Step S217).
Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes processing of providing the number of
credits set so as to correspond to the award to be provided (Step S218).
Subsequently, the CPU 106 terminates the free game execution processing.

[0110]As is clear from the above description, the CPU 106 in this
embodiment forms a controller in the claims.

[0111]In the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment having the above
configuration, a winning can occur again during the free game
(retrigger). The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment can change
the game sound when a retrigger occurs during the free game. Therefore,
the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment can notify the
player that the retrigger occurs during the free game, by changing the
game sound in the free game.

[0112]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment can
change the song and tempo of the game sound if the retrigger occurs
during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain
expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game
sound.

[0113]Incidentally, in Step S214 of FIG. 7, the sound data stored in the
external storage device 113 can also be provided, for example, in the
program stored in the ROM 108 instead of being stored in the external
storage device 113.

Second Embodiment

[0114]Next, a slot machine 10 according to a second embodiment of the
present invention and a control method thereof will be described. The
slot machine according to the second embodiment has substantially the
same constituent members and the like as those of the slot machine 10
according to the first embodiment, and thus repetitive description will
be omitted.

[0115]FIG. 1B is a flowchart schematically showing the method for
controlling the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the
present invention.

[0116]As shown in FIG. 1B, the slot machine 10 according to the second
embodiment of the present invention displays a unit game, in which the
multiple arranged symbols are rearranged, on the display 16 shown in FIG.
4 (Step S1).

[0117]Next, in Step S2, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not a
predetermined condition for executing a free game that is a special game
is satisfied (Step S2) as shown in FIG. 1B. Whether or not the
predetermined condition is satisfied can be determined, for example, by
whether or not a condition establishment lottery is won. Specifically,
the condition establishment lottery is performed based on a random number
generated by the random number generating circuit 112 shown in FIG. 5
every time the unit game is displayed on the display in Step S1.

[0118]If the predetermined condition is not satisfied in Step S2 (NO in
Step S2), the slot machine 10 terminates a series of processes once and
displays the unit game on the display again in Step S1, as shown in FIG.
1B.

[0119]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S2), the slot machine 10 displays a screen of the free game as
the special game on the display 16 (Step S3). By using the margin around
the windows 16a to 16e on the display 16, the number of remaining games
in the free game can also be displayed as a part of the image of the free
game.

[0120]Thereafter, the slot machine 10 executes, as the free game that is
the special game, a slot game a predetermined number (for example, 10) of
play times (Step S4). While executing the free game, the slot machine 10
emits a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from
that of a normal unit game, from the speaker 29 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0121]Subsequently, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not the
predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special
game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S5).

[0122]As shown in FIG. 1B, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied
in Step S5 (NO in Step S5), the slot machine 10 terminates the series of
processes once and transitions to Step S4 to execute the free game when
there are remaining games in the free game. When there are no remaining
games in the free game, the slot machine 10 displays the unit game on the
display again in Step S1.

[0123]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S5), the slot machine 10 changes the game sound of the free game
(Step S6). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the
following manner. Specifically, sound data stored in the external storage
device 113 (see FIG. 5) in the slot machine 10 is read and the read sound
data is transmitted to the speaker drive circuit 122 (see FIG. 5). Thus,
the game sound that has been emitted is changed to a game sound
corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game sound is
changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.

[0124]Subsequently, the slot machine 10 increments a predetermined number
(for example, 10) of slot games to be executed as the free game (Step
S7). For example, when a condition for incrementing 10 games is satisfied
with the number of 5 being remaining games in the free game, the slot
machine 10 performs processing of setting the number of remaining games
to 15 by incrementing the number of games in the free game.

[0125]As a result of the processing described above, the slot machine 10
according to the second embodiment can notify the player that the player
wins the free game again (retrigger), by changing the game sound in the
free game.

[0126]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the
present invention can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the
retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can
increase or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and
tempo of the game sound.

[0127]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the
present invention can increment the number of games in the free game if
the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10
according to the embodiment of the present invention can notify the
player that the number of games in the free game is increased, by
changing the game sound.

[0128]Next, operations of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment
will be described. Note that slot game processing executed by the slot
machine 10 shown in FIG. 6 is substantially the same as that of the first
embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0129]With reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 10, free game execution
processing executed by the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment
will be described below. FIG. 10 is the flowchart showing procedures of
the free game execution processing.

[0130]In the free game execution processing in Step S21 of FIG. 6, as
shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 106 generates a free game image display command
signal and displays a free game screen on the display 16 (Step S211). By
using the margin around the windows 16a to 16e on the display 16, the
number of remaining games in the free game can also be displayed as a
part of the image of the free game.

[0131]Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes, as the free game, the slot game a
predetermined number (for example, 10) of play times (Step S212). While
executing the free game, the CPU 106 performs processing of reading sound
data stored in the external storage device 113 and emitting a game sound
specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit
game, from the speaker 29 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0132]Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special
game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S213).

[0133]As shown in FIG. 10, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied
in Step S213 (NO in Step S213), the CPU 106 determines that the
predetermined condition is not satisfied and transitions to Step S216.

[0134]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S213), the CPU 106 changes the game sound of the free game (Step
S214). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following
manner. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the external
storage device 113, transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive
circuit 122 and thus changes the game sound that has been emitted to a
game sound corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game
sound is changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.

[0135]Subsequently, the CPU 106 increments a predetermined number (for
example, 10) of slot games to be executed as the free game (Step S215).
For example, when a condition for incrementing 10 games is satisfied when
the number of remaining games in the free game is 5, the slot machine 10
performs processing of setting the number of remaining games to 15 by
incrementing the number of games in the free game.

[0136]Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not there is a winning
on the basis of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to
q54 in the free game (Step S216). Specifically, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a condition for providing an award is satisfied.

[0137]In Step S216, the CPU 106 refers to the payout table stored in the
ROM 108 and determines whether or not a pattern of the symbols rearranged
in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 coincides with anyone of symbol
rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout
table.

[0138]If the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 do
not form a winning combination to provide the player with an award in the
free game (NO in Step S216), the CPU 106 terminates a series of special
game processing once.

[0139]On the other hand, if the pattern of the symbols rearranged
coincides with any one of the symbol rearrangement modes set in the
payout table (YES in Step S216), the CPU 106 determines that a winning is
established and provides the player with an award (Step S217).
Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes processing of providing the number of
credits set so as to correspond to the award to be provided (Step S218).
Subsequently, the CPU 106 terminates the free game execution processing.

[0140]As is clear from the above description, the CPU 106 in this
embodiment forms a controller in the claims.

[0141]In the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment having the above
configuration, a winning can occur again during the free game
(retrigger). The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment can change
the game sound when a retrigger occurs during the free game. Therefore,
the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment can notify the
player that the retrigger occurs during the free game, by changing the
game sound in the free game.

[0142]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment can
change the song and tempo of the game sound if the retrigger occurs
during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain
expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game
sound.

[0143]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment can
increment the number of games in the free game if the retrigger occurs
during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 according to the
embodiment of the present invention can notify the player that the number
of games in the free game is increased, by changing the game sound.

Third Embodiment

[0144]Next, a slot machine 10 according to a third embodiment of the
present invention and a control method thereof will be described. The
slot machine according to the third embodiment has substantially the same
constituent members and the like as those of the slot machine 10
according to the first embodiment, and thus repetitive description will
be omitted.

[0145]FIG. 1C is a flowchart schematically showing the method for
controlling the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the
present invention.

[0146]As shown in FIG. 1C, the slot machine 10 according to the third
embodiment of the present invention displays a unit game, in which the
multiple arranged symbols are rearranged, on the display 16 shown in FIG.
4 (Step S1).

[0147]Next, in Step S2, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not a
predetermined condition for executing a free game that is a special game
is satisfied (Step S2) as shown in FIG. 1C. Whether or not the
predetermined condition is satisfied can be determined, for example, by
whether or not a condition establishment lottery is won. Specifically,
the condition establishment lottery is performed based on a random number
generated by the random number generating circuit 112 shown in FIG. 5
every time the unit game is displayed on the display in Step S1.

[0148]If the predetermined condition is not satisfied in Step S2 (NO in
Step S2), the slot machine 10 terminates a series of processes once and
displays the unit game on the display again in Step S1, as shown in FIG.
10.

[0149]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S2), the slot machine 10 displays a screen of the free game as
the special game on the display 16 (Step S3). By using the margin around
the windows 16a to 16e on the display 16, the number of remaining games
in the free game can also be displayed as a part of the image of the free
game.

[0150]Thereafter, the slot machine 10 executes, as the free game that is
the special game, a slot game a predetermined number (for example, 10) of
play times (Step S4). While executing the free game, the slot machine 10
emits a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from
that of a normal unit game, from the speaker 29 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0151]Subsequently, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not the
predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special
game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S5).

[0152]As shown in FIG. 10, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied
in Step S5 (NO in Step S5), the slot machine 10 terminates the series of
processes once and transitions to Step S4 to execute the free game when
there are remaining games in the free game. When there are no remaining
games in the free game, the slot machine 10 displays the unit game on the
display again in Step S1.

[0153]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S5), the slot machine 10 changes the game sound of the free game
(Step S6). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the
following manner. Specifically, sound data stored in the external storage
device 113 (see FIG. 5) in the slot machine 10 is read and the read sound
data is transmitted to the speaker drive circuit 122 (see FIG. 5). Thus,
the game sound that has been emitted is changed to a game sound
corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game sound is
changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.

[0154]Subsequently, the slot machine 10 increments a predetermined number
(for example, 10) of slot games to be executed as the free game (Step
S7). For example, when a condition for incrementing 10 games is satisfied
with the number of 5 being remaining games in the free game, the slot
machine 10 performs processing of setting the number of remaining games
to 15 by incrementing the number of games in the free game.

[0155]Thereafter, the slot machine 10 transitions to Step S4 and repeats
Steps S4 to S7. By repeating Steps S4 to S7, the slot machine 10 performs
processing of changing the game sound and incrementing the number of
games every time the retrigger occurs during the free game.

[0156]As a result of the processing described above, the slot machine 10
according to the third embodiment can notify the player that the player
wins the free game again (retrigger) during the free game, by changing
the game sound in the free game.

[0157]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the
present invention can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the
retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can
increase or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and
tempo of the game sound.

[0158]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the
present invention can increment the number of games in the free game if
the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10
according to the embodiment of the present invention can notify the
player that the number of games in the free game is increased, by
changing the game sound.

[0159]Moreover, in a case where more than one retrigger occurs during the
free game, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present
invention can perform, the processing of changing the game sound and
incrementing the number of games every time the retrigger occurs.
Therefore, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present
invention can notify the player that the number of games in the free game
is increased more than once, by changing the game sound more than once.

[0160]Next, operations of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment
will be described. Note that slot game processing executed by the slot
machine 10 shown in FIG. 6 is substantially the same as that of the first
embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0161]With reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 11, free game execution
processing executed by the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment
will be described below. FIG. 11 is the flowchart showing procedures of
the free game execution processing.

[0162]In the free game execution processing in Step S21 of FIG. 6, as
shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 106 generates a free game image display command
signal and displays a free game screen on the display 16 (Step S211). By
using the margin around the windows 16a to 16e on the display 16, the
number of remaining games in the free game can also be displayed as a
part of the image of the free game.

[0163]Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes, as the free game, the slot game a
predetermined number (for example, 10) of play times (Step S212). While
executing the free game, the CPU 106 performs processing of reading sound
data stored in the external storage device 113 and emitting a game sound
specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit
game, from the speaker 29 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0164]Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special
game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S213).

[0165]As shown in FIG. 11, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied
in Step S213 (NO in Step S213), the CPU 106 determines that the
predetermined condition is not satisfied and transitions to Step S216.

[0166]On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES
in Step S213), the CPU 106 changes the game sound of the free game (Step
S214). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following
manner. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the external
storage device 113, transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive
circuit 122 and thus changes the game sound that has been emitted to a
game sound corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game
sound is changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.

[0167]Subsequently, the CPU 106 increments a predetermined number (for
example, 10) of slot games to be executed as the free game (Step S215).
For example, when a condition for incrementing 10 games is satisfied when
the number of remaining games in the free game is 5, the slot machine 10
performs processing of setting the number of remaining games to 15 by
incrementing the number of games in the free game.

[0168]Thereafter, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S212 and repeats Steps
S212 to S215. By repeating Steps S212 to S215, the CPU 106 performs
processing of changing the game sound and incrementing the number of
games every time the retrigger occurs during the free game.

[0169]Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not there is a winning
on the basis of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to
q54 in the free game (Step S216). Specifically, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a condition for providing an award is satisfied.

[0170]In Step S216, the CPU 106 refers to the payout table stored in the
ROM 108 and determines whether or not a pattern of the symbols rearranged
in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 coincides with any one of symbol
rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout
table.

[0171]If the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 do
not form a winning combination to provide the player with an award in the
free game (NO in Step S216), the CPU 106 terminates a series of special
game processing once.

[0172]On the other hand, if the pattern of the symbols rearranged
coincides with any one of the symbol rearrangement modes set in the
payout table (YES in Step S216), the CPU 106 determines that a winning is
established and provides the player with an award (Step S217).
Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes processing of providing the number of
credits set so as to correspond to the award to be provided (Step S218).
Subsequently, the CPU 106 terminates the free game execution processing.

[0173]As is clear from the above description, the CPU 106 in this
embodiment forms a controller in the claims.

[0174]In the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment having the above
configuration, a winning can occur again during the free game
(retrigger). The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment can change
the game sound when a retrigger occurs during the free game. Therefore,
the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can notify the
player that the retrigger occurs during the free game, by changing the
game sound in the free game.

[0175]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can
change the song and tempo of the game sound if the retrigger occurs
during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain
expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game
sound.

[0176]Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can
increment the number of games in the free game if the retrigger occurs
during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 according to the
embodiment of the present invention can notify the player that the number
of games in the free game is increased, by changing the game sound.

[0177]Moreover, in a case where more than one retrigger occurs during the
free game, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can
perform the processing of changing the game sound and incrementing the
number of games every time the retrigger occurs. Therefore, the slot
machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can
notify the player that more than one retrigger occurs and the number of
games in the free game is increased more than once, by changing the game
sound more than once.

Fourth Embodiment

[0178]In each of the first to third embodiments described above, the
display 16 is a liquid crystal panel and rearrangement of the symbols in
the partitioned regions q11 to q54 is performed by use of the liquid
crystal panel. However, rearrangement of the symbols in the partitioned
regions q11 to q54 on the display 16 can also be performed by providing
the display with a liquid crystal panel capable of transparent display
and by using a rotating reel device disposed behind the display.

[0179]Hereinafter, description will be given of a slot machine according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which symbol
rearrangement is performed by the rotating reel device disposed behind
the liquid crystal panel of the display 16, and a control method thereof.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a
control circuit in the slot machine according to the fourth embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 14A is a perspective view and FIG. 14B is a
side view showing the rotating reel device in the slot machine according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an
explanatory view showing schematic configurations of symbols arranged on
circumferential surfaces of rotating reels in the slot machine according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0180]As shown in FIG. 12, the slot machine 10 according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention is different in having the windows
16a to 16e and a rotating reel device 53 including rotating reels 53a to
53e disposed behind the windows 16a to 16e (see FIGS. 14A and 14B)
instead of the display 16 in the slot machine 10 according to the first
to third embodiments. The other constituent members are substantially the
same as those of the slot machine 10 according to the first to third
embodiments, and thus repetitive description will be omitted.

[0181]As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the rotating reel device 53 has five
rotating reels 53a to 53e corresponding to the windows 16a to 16e in the
display 16, respectively. On a circumferential surface of each of the
rotating reels 53a to 53e, as shown in FIG. 15, twenty-one symbols are
laid out so as to be equally spaced apart. There are nine kinds of
symbols, including "A (ace)", "K (king)", "Q (queen)", "J (jack)", "10",
"umbrella", "lightning", "cloud" and "special (man's face)".

[0182]As shown in FIG. 13, the slot machine 10 of the fourth embodiment
includes a motor drive circuit 51 and a reel position detecting circuit
52 in the machine controller 40 in the slot machine 10 in addition to the
slot machine 10 of the first to third embodiments. Note that, along with
provision of the rotating reel device 53, the slot machine 10 of the
fourth embodiment further includes drive motors 56a to 56e in the
rotating reel device 53, which are driven by the motor drive circuit 51,
and sensors 54a to 54e for detecting, through the reel position detecting
circuit 52, the rotation, the stop of the rotation, and also the position
of the rotational stop of each of the rotatable reels 53a to 53e of the
rotating reel device 53. As shown in FIG. 13, the motor drive circuit 51
and the reel position detecting circuit 52 are connected to the I/O bus
104 as in the case of the random number generating circuit 112, the
communication interface circuit 111, the external storage device 113, the
display controllers 140 and 141, the hopper drive circuit 124, the
speaker drive circuit 122, the display drive circuit 128 and the like.

[0183]Note that the slot machine 10 of the fourth embodiment can perform
display control of transparently displaying each of spots corresponding
to the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in the windows 16a to 16e when the
symbols are rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54.
Specifically, when the spots corresponding to the partitioned regions q11
to q54 in the windows 16a to 16e are arranged in the same order as that
of symbol rearrangement, the CPU 106 generates an image display command
signal for transparently displaying the corresponding spots, and then
outputs the image display command signal to the display controller 140
through the I/O bus 104. Upon receipt of the image display command signal
outputted by the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates a drive
signal for driving the display 16 on the basis of the image display
command, and then outputs the generated drive signal to the display 16.
Thus, the spots corresponding to the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in
the order of symbol rearrangement are transparently displayed on the
display 16.

[0184]Therefore, the CPU 106 outputs, at a timing corresponding to the
progress of the slot game, the image display command for displaying the
slot game image and the effect corresponding to the outcome thereof on
the display 16 so that the display controller 140 receives the image
display command. Thus, the effect corresponding to the slot game and the
outcome thereof is displayed on the display 16.

[0185]The CPU 106 determines the symbols to be rearranged in the
partitioned regions q11 to q54 by determining stop positions of the
rotating reels 53a to 53e. Specifically, the CPU 106 determines the
symbols to be rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 by
selecting the stop positions of the rotating reels 53a to 53e based on
random numbers generated by the random number generating circuit 112. To
be more specific, the random number generating circuit 112 generates the
same number of random numbers as that of the rotating reels 53a to 53e.

[0186]The thus configured slot machine 10 and control method thereof
according to the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as
those achieved by the slot machine 10 and control method thereof
according to the first to third embodiments.

Other Embodiments

[0187]Although the embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, the embodiments are described merely as concrete
examples and the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.
The concrete configuration of each of the means and the like can be
changed in design according to the necessity. Moreover, the effects
described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely listed
as preferred effects achieved by the present invention. The effects of
the present invention are not limited to those described in the
embodiments of the present invention.

[0188]For example, in the slot machine 10 according to the first to fourth
embodiments, a probability of establishment of the predetermined
condition in the normal unit game may be different from that in the free
game. A probability of establishment of the retrigger is increased by
increasing the probability of establishment of the predetermined
condition in the free game. Thus, the expectations of the player can be
increased by the processing of changing the game sound and incrementing
the number of games, which is executed when the retrigger occurs.

[0189]Moreover, in the slot machine 10 according to the first to fourth
embodiments, the description was given of the case where the
predetermined condition is that three or more "special (man' s face)"
symbols are rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54. However,
the predetermined condition may be determined according to the number of
the "special (man' s face)" symbols rearranged on an active line provided
in the partitioned regions q11 to q54.

[0190]Moreover, in the slot machine 10 according to the first to fourth
embodiments, the description was given of the case where the
predetermined condition is that three or more "special (man' s face)"
symbols are rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54. However,
the symbols are not limited to the "special (man' s face)" symbols.

[0191]Moreover, in the first to fourth embodiments, the predetermined
number of play times in the special game is set to 10. However, the
predetermined number of special games is not limited to 10.

[0192]In addition, in the detailed description above, the characteristic
portions are mainly described in order to make the present invention
easily understandable. The present invention is not limited to the
embodiments described in the detailed description above, and can be
applied to the other embodiments, and its range of application is wide.
Also, the terms and the terminology used in the present specification are
used only for the purpose of explaining the present invention precisely,
and not used for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the
present invention. Also, for those skilled in the art, it should be easy
to contemplate other configurations, systems, methods, etc., that are
contained in the concept of the present invention, from the content of
the invention described in the present specification. Consequently, the
description of the scope of claims should be construed as containing
equivalent configurations within a range of not deviating from a range of
the technical ideas of the present invention. Also, the purpose of the
abstract is to make it possible for the patent office, the general public
organizations, and technicians and the like who belong to the present
technical field and who are not thoroughly familiar with patent and law
terms or specialized terms, to quickly judge the technical content and
its essence of the present application by a simple search. Consequently,
the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which
should be evaluated by the description of the scope of claims. Also, in
order to sufficiently understand the purpose of the present invention and
the effects specific to the present invention, they should preferably be
interpreted by sufficiently referring to the documents and the like that
are already disclosed in public.

[0193]Also, the detailed description above contains the processing to be
executed by a computer. The explanations and expressions in the above are
described for the purpose of facilitating the most efficient
understanding by those skilled in the art. In the present specification,
each step used in deriving one result should be understood as a
processing without a self-contradiction. Also, at each step, transmission
and reception, recording, etc., of electric or magnetic signals will be
carried out. In the processing at each step, such signals are expressed
by bits, values, symbols, letters, terms, numbers, etc., but it should be
noted that they are used simply because they are convenient for the
purpose of explanation. Also, there are cases where the processing at
each step is described by an expression common to the human behavior, but
the processing described in the present specification is to be executed
by various devices in principle. Also, the other configuration required
in carrying out each step will be obvious from the above description.